Different Worlds

We know that our individual customs, lifestyles and opportunities are uniquely our own.  I am a woman in the United States, and I have been privileged enough to have experienced a useful education.  Many, many people throughout the world, however, are not offered this same opportunity.

The videos we watched all poignantly pointed out the varied educational opportunities that children may experience.  I found all of the stories interesting, but it was Nanavi's reality that I felt was especially compelling.

Nanavi, a young girl in Benin, a country in West Africa, lived in a small, poor, farming area.  Most young girls there are expected to participate in the voodoo culture and to marry at a very early age.  Very, very few girls are allowed to attend school, and Nanavi was one of the few girls afforded the opportunity.  Nanavi was fortunate because her father was a respected man in the community, and he supported Nanavi getting an education in order to have a better life when she matured.  Sadly, Nanavi's father died, and the family struggled mightily with the loss of income.  The prospect of Nanavi remaining in school was grim, but her mother, her adolescent mentor Marguerite and the educational mentor Regina all worked to allow Nanavi to continue with her studies.

I found this "sisterhood" of women who all wanted to make sure that this one young girl could gain an education to be very inspiring.  Even in the most prosperous cultures, women often just do not have the same opportunities as men.  I think that women need to be strong for each other and offer support whenever possible.  I found myself drawn to Nanivi’s story and was especially proud of the network of women determined to help her.

Wide Angle